**Updates IFEX alerts dated 17 July and 26 June 1995; for background, see alerts of 11 July, 26, 22 May 1995** (updates IFEX alerts dated 17, 11 July, 26 June, 26, 22 May): CPJ confirms that life imprisonment sentences were given to Chris Anyanwu (f), editor-in-chief of “The Sunday Magazine” (“TSM”), and Ben Charles Obi, […]
**Updates IFEX alerts dated 17 July and 26 June 1995;
for background, see alerts of 11 July, 26, 22 May 1995**
(updates IFEX alerts dated 17, 11 July, 26 June, 26, 22 May):
CPJ confirms that life imprisonment sentences were given to Chris
Anyanwu (f), editor-in-chief of “The Sunday Magazine” (“TSM”),
and Ben Charles Obi, editor of “Weekend Classique”, by the
military tribunal (Investigative Panel) which presided over the
“coup plot” trials. They were both reportedly charged with
concealment. Anyanwu is one of two women brought before the
tribunal, and is the only woman to have been given a life
sentence. Anyanwu and Obi are said to be held in unsanitary
conditions. They are reportedly routinely manacled, are not
receiving adequate nutrition, and are denied access to their
lawyers, to their families, and to proper medical care.
(updates IFEX alerts dated 17 July, 26 June, 26 and 22 May 1995):
George Mbah, an assistant editor at “Tell” magazine, was brought
before the military’s Investigative Panel and received a lengthy
prison term as well. Arrested on 5 May 1995, his whereabouts are
still unknown. There are concerns for his health, as he has
medical problems.
(updates IFEX alerts dated 26 June, 26 May):
Kunle Ajibade, executive editor of “The News”, was also brought
before the military’s Investigative Panel. Detained on 23 May, he
remains in detention. Kunle Ajibade, who has a heart condition,
has fallen seriously ill, and has been transferred to a hospital,
where, as of 28 July, he remained in custody.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to Nigerian authorities:
the immediate and unconditional release of the journalists
of minimum international standards of due process
Appeals To
His Excellency General Sani Abacha
Chairman of the Provisional Ruling Council and Commander-in-Chief
of the Armed Forces
State House
Abuja, Nigeria
Fax: +234 9 5232138
Please copy appeals to the originator if possible.
